Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government is reportedly making fresh efforts to bolster domestic refining operations by securing alternative crude oil supply channels for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. These interventions are being coordinated through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which is said to be engaging international crude traders to provide additional supply to the refinery located in Lekki, Lagos State.
Despite these efforts, industry officials caution that this move may not immediately translate into a reduction in petrol prices. Nigerians continue to face escalating fuel costs following recent price adjustments by the refinery. Market sources indicate that the Dangote Refinery recently halted the loading of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), fueling speculation of yet another potential price hike.
Recent pricing changes have already seen the refinery’s gantry price surge from approximately N774 to N995 per litre in a short period. Consequently, retail pump prices in many states have now exceeded N1,000 per litre, with some filling stations reportedly selling petrol for around N1,200 per litre.
A notable shift in Nigeria’s crude sourcing patterns has also been observed. Data from global energy analytics firm Kpler reveals that Nigeria’s crude imports from the United States climbed significantly to 41.13 million barrels in 2025, a sharp increase from 15.79 million barrels recorded in 2024. This change comes as motorists and business operators nationwide express deep concern over the impact of rising fuel prices on transportation costs and the broader prices of goods and services.
Energy analysts attribute the current situation partly to volatility in the international crude oil market. Tensions in the Middle East, particularly the confrontation involving Iran and the United States, have disrupted global oil supply chains, pushing Brent crude prices above $92 per barrel. Concerns are also mounting over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy shipping route.
Officials familiar with the arrangement explained that the national oil company is leveraging its extensive global trading network to secure third-party crude supplies for the Dangote Refinery at competitive international prices. A senior official, speaking anonymously, affirmed the company’s commitment “to supporting domestic refining and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.”
However, sources within the refinery highlighted that importing crude oil might not immediately alleviate petrol prices due to the sharp increase in international energy costs. The refinery also points to limited domestic crude supply as a key challenge, noting that it currently receives about five cargoes per month from NNPCL. This allocation falls significantly short of the 13 cargoes required under the naira-for-crude policy to maintain full production and adequately meet local fuel demand. According to refinery officials, this limited domestic allocation has compelled the facility to partially rely on imported crude, purchased at international market rates.
